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Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Kayak Review
| 4.9/5 high performance great features |
Experienced paddlers, as well as newcomers to the sport will undoubtedly know that when shopping for a kayak, there are quite a few categories to choose from. The largest division of kayaks is by the type of activity they’re meant for, and the type, materials, construction and accessories all depend on that. For example, a fishing kayak is usually designed with a large, comfortable cockpit, and comes with plenty of accessories and mounts for all your fishing gear. Their hull is also wider and made for stability when you’re fishing.
Touring kayaks, on the other hand, are specifically designed for a paddler to be able to travel long distances on open waters, both fresh and salt. They’re mostly made with speed and endurance in mind, but you should also look for something that is stable enough to get you through rougher seas. A good choice for such a kayak, both for experienced paddlers and new ones as well is the Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater day touring kayak. It’s a sit-in, flat bottom kayak which is designed to offer the perfect blend of efficiency and elegance.
Check out the top picks for the best fishing kayak here.
So why the Riot Kayaks Edge?
The Edge 14.5 comes with a slim deck profile and a slim bow. Its elegant design is something that you will undoubtedly notice. It’s an aggressively shaped touring kayak that tracks well, comes with a rudder and is extremely efficient. The kayak is made of high-density polyethylene, which ensures that you get a lightweight kayak that you can carry around, and it won’t get easily damaged in case you happen to hit it somewhere. You will get a rugged durability that is made to last. Unless you don’t look very closely, you won’t notice that it is a rotomold kayak, and that ensures a great fit and finish. The kayak is 14.5 feet by 22.5 inches and comes at a weight of 47 pounds.
As far as storage space is concerned, the front and rear storage spaces fit most sea kayaking gear. If, however, you happen to need to carry even more gear, you have bungee shock cords on deck so you can secure a few extra items here. The storage compartments have dual-density hatch covers, which means that things such as food and gear will remain dry.
The kayak’s seating system is customizable, and is designed to allow for a fairly wide range of users. The custom fit seating has thick padding and an adjustable back band, meaning you don’t have to worry about comfort at all. You also get adjustable, sliding foot braces for even more comfort, as well as integrated thigh braces that give you more control over the kayak when you’re performing turns. The thigh braces are fairly high in the bow, and are meant to give you a closer feel when you’re maneuvering the kayak. What this all means is that you can take the kayak out for a few hours, and when you come back you won’t experience any soreness or bums, anywhere.
You will get just the right amount of tracking from the Riot Kayaks Edge 14.5 LV Flatwater day touring kayak, and you won’t feel a compromise in speed, nor stability. It also tracks well while paddling, and you can turn and maneuver with ease, even more so with the added rudder. It’s almost as efficient as a high-end sit-in kayak, while keeping the price fairly low, and you can keep up with people in other hard-shelled kayaks with ease.
Features
Final Verdict
If you want the shortest description possible, the Edge 14.5 by Riot Kayaks is all that you could ask for in a touring kayak. It’s fast, comfortable, fairly easy to paddle and maneuver, and light so you can carry it around. The flat bottom might be a bit of a problem in calm water, but point it towards rougher conditions and its right at home. It’s a kayak that you simply don’t outgrow, as it always gives you what you need, whether you’re a beginner, or an advanced paddler. You can take it anywhere, and it will take you anywhere as well.
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